President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged the completion of several infrastructure development projects in Vaadhoo, Raa Atoll, within the year. He further announced that his subsequent visit would commemorate the successful conclusion of these initiatives. President Dr Muizzu made this statement while addressing the residential community of Vaadhoo during his three-day tour of several islands in the Raa Atoll, which commenced on Tuesday.
In his address, President Dr Muizzu reiterated his administration's unwavering commitment to honouring all electoral promises made to the residents of Vaadhoo. These pledges were crafted with the aim of fulfilling the community's aspirations, he underscored.
The president commended the residents of Vaadhoo for their initiative and productivity, accentuating their numerous self-driven projects. "The assurance I provide is that this administration will continue to offer full support and cooperation to the initiatives you have launched with the intention of development," he said.
President Dr Muizzu also addressed the developmental aspirations and concerns of the residents. He attributed delays in issuing land plots to the postponement in relocating the island's waste management centre. The relocation work would commence shortly, according to the president, thereby facilitating the issuance of land plots and the operation of the waste management facility.
President Dr Muizzu acknowledged the challenges of coastal erosion faced by Vaadhoo residents. He highlighted that the coastal protection project, contracted to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), has been delayed due to difficulties in acquiring rock boulders.
The Ministry of Finance and Planning, MTCC, and State Trading Organization (STO) are diligently working to resolve these issues, he revealed, adding that coastal protection and harbour development projects in Vaadhoo and other islands will recommence once the authorities begin shipping rock boulders in bulk.
President Dr Muizzu assured that the administration would develop Vaadhoo's harbour in alignment with the community's preferences. "With God's will, I will provide the equipment required by the school and pave the way for the development of computer laboratories and a staff room through the relevant government ministries," he stated.
"We will provide support and cooperation according to the preferences of the island council and residents. Even if it involves expanding the school's space, we will continue to provide all the necessary resources," he added. In regard to healthcare services, President Dr Muizzu vowed to develop laboratories and extend the operating hours of healthcare facilities across all islands.
President Dr Muizzu underscored the objective of his visits to the outer islands: to reaffirm the administration's dedication to delivering development and services in line with community preferences. Cabinet ministers accompany him to ensure that development projects are tailored to meet the specific needs of the communities, he noted.
President Dr Muizzu also assured the Vaadhoo community of the administration's commitment to completing numerous ongoing infrastructure projects on the island this year. He also addressed the land constraints faced by the community, assuring that the land reclamation project would commence later this year or next year.
Efforts are in progress to enhance policing services, including plans to establish police stations and increase the number of officers on all islands. By the end of 2025, every island, including Vaadhoo, will have a police building designed to meet its specific requirements, the president assured.
President Dr Muizzu also elaborated on the administration's initiatives to enhance utility services across the outer islands. Issues related to the provision of uninterrupted electricity services would be resolved before the onset of Ramadan, he assured.
Additionally, he outlined an ambitious plan for the administration to ensure that 33% of the country's energy is generated from renewable sources by 2024, with Vaadhoo's energy production transitioning to renewable sources. If the community desires, renewable energy systems will be installed on the rooftops of residential homes and government buildings, he asserted.
President Dr Muizzu concluded by reaffirming his administration's commitment to standing with the people and providing the full support and cooperation required. He announced that his next visit to Vaadhoo would mark the completion of the infrastructure development projects.
During his three-day tour of Raa Atoll, President Dr Muizzu will also visit An’golhitheemu, Hulhudhuffaaru, Innamaadhoo, Kinolhas, Maakurathu, Maduvvari, Fainu, Rasgetheemu, Rasmaadhoo, and Un’goofaaru.